Defenders are the backbone of a team and without them the game loses its grittiness. In our ISL Fantasy Guru Part 2, we look at the defenders who could make a big difference in the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League starting this Saturday with the Chennaiyin FC-Atletico de Kolkata encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.Arnab Mondal (Atletico de Kolkata)Value - 7.5The lanky defender was one of the best Indian players from last season and formed a formidable partnership with Josemi at the heart of Atletico de Kolkata’s defence. His “141 clearances” was the most by any Indian defender in the opening season. The highly dependable centre back can prove to be a solid addition.Bernard Mendy (Chennaiyin FC)Value - 7.5The charismatic Frenchman is solid at the back while also being a constant goal threat. Mendy proved his mettle in the first edition of the Hero ISL and is set to be the first name in the Chennaiyin FC’s defence in Marco Materazzi’s team sheet. And you can always expect a goal or two from the flashy defender.Josemi (Atletico de Kolkata)Value - 7.5The Spaniard was arguably the best pure defender last season, leading the Atletico de Kolkata defence with unrivalled composure and authority. Possibly the cogwheel of Antonio Lopez Habas’ title winning side, the former Liverpool man will definitely be an asset for your team.Lucio (FC Goa)Value - 7This will be the Brazilian’s maiden outing on Indian soil but his resume speaks for itself. Lucio has won almost every honour possible in his career and will be looking to bring his zeal into the FC Goa side. A perennial threat from set-pieces, the towering defender has a knack for picking up important goals. A must-have by all means.Sandesh Jhingan (Kerala Blasters FC)Value - 7Last year’s Emerging Player of the Year has improved a great deal. The Kerala Blasters FC talisman broke into the Indian team early this year and established himself as an integral part of national coach Stephen Constantine’s plans. The 22-year-old also pitched in with two crucial assists last season, the most by any defender. Kerala Blasters FC fans will be pinning their hopes on the youngster, and you could do the same.John Arne Riise (Delhi Dynamos FC)Value- 7.5From the look of it, the attacking left back will be marshalling Delhi Dynamos FC’s defence this season. But knowing the Norwegian’s attacking instincts, we wouldn’t rule out the possibility of occasional darting runs forward followed by a left-footed pile-driver. The former Liverpool man has earned a reputation for scoring absolute screamers throughout his career and that educated left foot of his will also mean he will be a standing over a lot of the Dynamos’ set-pieces this season. A definite pick in our books.Notable mentions:Dhanachandra Singh, Gregory ArnolinThat concludes our ISL Fantasy Guru Part 2. For “Best midfielders”, see our Part 3.
